Victor Matfield might well have led the Boks against the English in the June tests, if it was not for an IRB rule preventing the big lock from playing.

The Beeld reports that coach Heyneke Meyer has admitted that the only reason Matfield will not take to the field this June in Green and Gold, is due to an IRB rule that prevents retired players from returning to the international scene within six months of announcing their return.

This rule, which is to prevent athletes who have been using banned substances from retiring from the game only to return once the substance is no longer in their system, to compete at International level. The six month period is thus in place to prevent retirement as a drug loop hole.

The Boks will have to face England in three tests without the big lock, who is certainly going to be involved behind the scenes, where it is anticipated that he will be the line-out coach.

4 Comments

thanks heavens for that rule.we have quality locks to stand up and do the job

Comment 1, posted at 24.05.12 10:13:16 by jovner

Think Matfield in a lineout coach capacity will be awesome for our Boks. By having him play would only have set the players back as we need to look forward now and go with the great young talent coming through.

Comment 2, posted at 24.05.12 10:35:26 by Puma

their are a lot of good lock around now.let him enjoy his life after rugby.